A county must face more than $1 million in damages to declare a local disaster, which Becerra confirmed, as the county and region experienced freezing rain and ice over a four-day period that led to falling trees and power outages.
“This declaration will help us in potentially recouping and continuing to invest moving forward in the cleanup,” Becerra told Community Impact. “We're making sure that all of our first responders have all the support they need. Our road crew, transportation, even our facilities maintenance folks are out [at] the sites."
Local disaster declarations last a week and could be extended through commissioner court action. However, Becerra said an extension will not be necessary.
“I think we can actually have it all covered within that week timeframe, because the freeze is over,” Becerra said. “It's just [time] to clean up now.”
There are no reports of any fatalities, and those who have incurred damages as a result of severe weather may self-report residential or business property damage here.
“This self-reporting tool, it allows us to capture the damage throughout the entire county, which will assist what the judge is referring to as far as reimbursement of those tax dollars,” Emergency Services Director Mike Jones said in a video alongside Becerra.
Debris cleanup resources
Along with the disaster declaration, there are two county-run stations that will be collecting debris from residents: one at 1691 Carney Lane in Wimberly and the other at 100 Darden Hill Road in Driftwood.
Resources for Buda
Buda residents are encouraged to utilize Texas Disposal Systems facilities and services for debris cleanup and collection, according to a press release.
"Buda residents may take up to 5 cubic yards of material to the landfill each month at no cost," the release stated. "Pickup is limited to 10 paper lawn bags and/or bundles of brush."
Buda residents can call 800-375-8375 for assistance.
Resources for Kyle
There are four parks that city of Kyle residents may take their debris to: Steeplechase Park, Waterleaf Park, Gregg-Clarke Park and Lake Kyle Park.
Dumpsters will be available from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 4-5, according to a press release.
"Only branches and limbs from the winter storm will be accepted at these sites; no trash or other non-tree related debris will be allowed," the release stated.
Kyle residents also have bulk item pickups for no more than 35 pounds. They can also call 800-375-8375 for assistance. Additionally, they can drop off up to 5 cubic yards of debris at the TDS Landfill Gatehouse at 3016 FM 1327, Creedmoor.
Resources for San Marcos
San Marcos residents can also drop off their debris at 750 River Road from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Residents can pick up paper yard bags from the Neighborhood Enhancement Department located at 630 E. Hopkins St., Bldg. 5, San Marcos.
San Marcos residents can also drop off debris at the TDS Landfill Gatehouse in Creedmoor. Some residents may be eligible for curbside pickup.
